The flickering light from the TV cast a warm glow in Hazel's room. She leaned up on some pillows against the headboard with a comfy fluffy blanket thrown over her as she snacked on her favorite candy, Skittles. She loved them all, but her favorites were the purple and red kind. Tuck was besides her, a bowl of popcorn balanced between them while he shared the blanket with her. The two best friends were having a Disney movie marathon like they often did together. It was a tradition that had started when they were little, and continued into their teenage years.

Hazel had gotten up to go get them some drinks as the movie started, realizing they hadn't even thought about drinks. They had both gotten lost in the world of Disney. While she was gone, Tuck grabbed his phone to busy himself while waiting for her, but his attention was caught by an open journal on Hazel's desk. He knew it was wrong, he shouldn't invade her privacy, but curiosity tugged at him, and he found himself glancing at the page. He was quick to realize it was lyrics of a song. Hazel had told him she had written some songs, and he had been dying to hear one.

Before he could stop himself, his fingers were reaching out and touching the pages. He could almost hear her voice in his head as he read the lyrics. The words were beautiful, and he could feel her passion through each line. He knew he should stop, but he couldn't bring himself to pull his hand away. He kept reading, the lyrics tugging at his heart. The more he read, the more it sounded like this song was maybe about him. He wondered if that was just his imagination running wild, but the raw emotion in the words was undeniable. 

Each line painted a picture of longing and friendship, a connection that felt deeper than what they shared as just best friends. He wasn't sure if that was just wishful thinking or if his heart was seeing something his brain couldn't. He continued reading, the words stirring up a whirlwind of emotions within him. His heart raced as he reached the final lines, his breath catching in his throat. The words were a confession, a declaration of love. A love that had been hidden away for years, finally coming to the surface.

Tuck's heart pounded in his chest as he processed the meaning behind Hazel's lyrics. He couldn't believe what he was reading—a confession of love. Could it really be about him? His mind raced with memories of their years together, the late-night conversations, the moments of shared silence that felt like more than just friendship.

The final lines echoed in his head, the raw vulnerability in her words cutting through his confusion. He suddenly felt guilty for reading something so personal, yet he couldn't deny how deeply it resonated with him. He's starting to realize he might be feeling the same way. He had always loved Hazel, but now as his mind ran through the memories, his feelings felt more intense than ever. He's starting to realize his love for her wasn't platonic anymore.

He was snapped out of his thoughts by the sound of her footsteps coming closer, and the creek of the door. Tuck quickly pulled his hand away from the journal, a blush rising on his cheeks as he moved to help her. He moved to open the door more for her.

"Oh, thanks." She smiled at him, walking over to the bed and handing him one when he sat on the bed by her. She scooted back to her place she sat at before and he did the same, trying to steady his racing heart. Tuck took a sip of the drink, hoping it would calm his nerves, but his mind was still spinning. Hazel sat back in her spot, completely unaware of the whirlwind of emotions Tuck was experiencing. She gave him a curious look, noticing how quiet he was. "You okay?" She asked with a soft chuckle, her eyes filled with the usual warmth that always made him feel at ease.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm fine." Tuck replied with a reassuring smile, trying to sound normal. But every word felt like a lie. How could he be fine after what he just read? After realizing that his best friend—the girl he had shared everything with—might have written a love song about him? And worse, that he might have fallen for her without even realizing it until now?

Hazel tilts her head, studying him for a moment, before shrugging it off. "Okay, if you say so." She smiled and leaned against the pillows as she watched the movie, grabbing some Skittles to eat.

Tuck barely heard her. His mind was still focused on the lyrics, the confession, the possibility that his best friend was in love with him—and that maybe, just maybe, he felt the same. His heart was racing, and for the first time in a long time, he didn't know what to say to her. But one thing was clear now: things between them were never going to be the same again.

****

After their afternoon of movie watching, Tuck's thoughts spiraled as he walked into the barn. The sounds of laughter and the comfort of Hazel's presence lingered in his mind, but the weight of what he had read clung to him like a shadow.

His heart pounded, the lyrics playing on a loop in his mind. His hands were on thr back of his head, and his thoughts were all over the place. He paced back and forth, his sneakers scuffing the wooden floor as he replayed the scene from earlier. Could Hazel's song really be about him? What if he had misinterpreted everything? The questions swirled in his head, and with each step, the anxiety grew tighter in his chest.

Just then, Bailey, the family's nanny, entered the barn, her presence instantly calming. She notices Tuck's restless movements and tilts her head, concern etched across her face. "Tuck, honey, what's got you all worked up?"

Tuck stops in his tracks, his hands dropping to his sides. "Uh, I, uh—Okay, so I know this is gonna sound bad, but I kind of saw something I shouldn't have, and now I'm freaking out, and I don't know what to do, and I'm just—"

"Slow down, hon." Bailey interrupted, her voice soft but firm as she walked over to him. "First, take a deep breath. Second, tell me what's goin' on."

Tuck did as instructed, inhaling and exhaling deeply. He could feel the panic starting to fade, replaced by a strange mix of relief and nervousness. He knew he could trust Bailey, but the thought of confessing his feelings to her was still daunting. But he had to tell someone, or else he'd go crazy. "It's about Hazel." He said, his voice wavering slightly.

"Is everything okay between you two?" Bailey asked, her brows furrowing in concern.

"Well, I mean, yeah, it's just—I read something today that changed everything." Tuck sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"Like what?" Bailey prodded gently.

"I'm such an idiot for doin' this." He groans, shaking his head. "I shouldn't have read it, but I was curious and I saw the open page, and—"

"Tuck," Bailey interrupts gently, placing a hand on his arm. "It's okay. Whatever it is, you can talk to me. I promise I won't judge."

"Okay," Tuck takes a deep breath, his voice low and cautious as he continues. "So, you know how Hazel and I have these movie marathons...Well, I noticed her journal was open and, look, I know I shouldn't have looked, but I couldn't help myself. I read some of her lyrics, and they sounded like they were about me. About us, really. And now I can't stop thinking about it. What if I'm wrong? What if I've misinterpreted everything?"

"You read through her journal?" Bailey gasped,her eyes wide.

"No, just a few lyrics of this song that was on the open page. And like I said, the journal was open but I know I shouldn't have invaded her privacy." Tuck sank onto a nearby hay bale, feeling the weight of his guilt settle in his chest. "But that's not the worst part."

"It's not?" Bailey asked, her voice tinged with amusement as she sat beside him.

"No. The lyrics were—I mean, it's a love song. About me, about us, I think. Or, well, that's what I'm guessing based on the way they were written. Maybe I'm just readin' into things and the song isn't really about me, but either way, it's got me all messed up." Tuck explained, the words spilling out as he struggled to make sense of his thoughts.

Bailey nods slowly, her gaze softening. "That's a lot to process."

"Tell me about it." Tuck scoffs, the emotions swirling inside him threatening to spill over. "What do I do, Bailey? Should I talk to her about it? Should I pretend like nothin's happen? How do I handle this situation without makin' a fool of myself or ruining our friendship?"

Bailey sighs, giving his arm a squeeze. "Look, honey, I can't tell you what to do, but I can give you my opinion. If you feel strongly about this, then maybe you should talk to her. You two have been close since y'all were kids, and I think that counts for somethin'. If you want to clear the air, and let her know how you feel, then do it."

"But what if she's not interested in me like that? What if I've just read too much into the lyrics, the song isn't about me and I've made a huge mistake?" He sighed, his voice filled with uncertainty as he leaned back against the hay bale, staring at the wooden beams above him.

Bailey shook her head gently. "Tuck, there's always a risk in opening up, but think about how much you're already feeling. Keeping it inside will only drive you crazy. Besides, if you don't take this chance, you might regret it later."

Tuck rubs his temples, frowning. "But she means so much to me. I can't lose her, Bailey. I can't." He sighed, his shoulders sagging in defeat.

Bailey places a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Honey, you're not going to lose her. Hazel's your best friend, and I'm pretty sure you two will be thick as thieves until the day y'all die. Even if she doesn't feel the same way, I know your friendship is strong enough to withstand any bumps along the way. But the only way to know for sure is to talk to her. And I know its not my place to get involved, but it seems like maybe y'all are meant to be more than just friends."

Tuck looks at her, confusion evident in his voice. "What do you mean by that?"

"Honey, the way you two look at each other—the way y'all share those cute little smiles and touches, even though you don't notice it. The way you two have always been there for each other. I think it's clear there's somethin' special between you." Bailey said softly. "Somethin' worth explorin', if y'all are willing to take the risk."

Tuck felt a mixture of hope and apprehension at Bailey's words. "You really think so? I mean, we've been friends for so long... I just don't want to mess that up."

Bailey smiles encouragingly. "Sometimes the best relationships start from a strong foundation of friendship. You're already comfortable with each other, and that's a great place to begin something more."

"Maybe you're right," Tuck sighs, the possibilities running through his mind. "But how do I even approach this? I've never felt like this before, not about anyone. It's overwhelming."

"I understand, but try not to overthink it." Bailey reassures him. "Just be yourself and tell her what you're feeling. I'm sure she'll understand."

"Thanks, Bailey," Tuck smiles, leaning over to give her a quick hug. "I appreciate it."

"Anytime, hon." Bailey returns the embrace, squeezing him tightly before she got up. "You'll figure it out. Just take a deep breath, and do what feels right."

With that, she left the barn, leaving Tuck alone with his thoughts. He took a deep breath, his mind replaying Bailey's words. Maybe she was right. Maybe it was time to stop hiding his feelings and tell Hazel the truth. Even if it was scary, even if it was risky, maybe the risk would be worth it.